Six Doors · No. 56
第56卦 旅 Lǚ · The Wanderer
Essence: A guest everywhere; travel light and give no offense.
Judgment
You are in the position of a stranger passing through—no base, no backing, everything on loan. Great enterprises do not belong to this season; doing small things well is the success available. Be courteous to everyone, clear-eyed about yourself, and keep hold of both your resources and your manners.
Trigrams
Upper
Lower
The lines
- Line 1Fussing over trifles and haggling at every turn—that is exactly how a traveler brings trouble on himself.
- Line 2An inn to stay at, means intact, and a loyal helper gained—for a wanderer, security gets no better than this.
- Line 3Arrogance in a borrowed place burns down the inn and drives off the helper, leaving the traveler exposed.
- Line 4Shelter found and a livelihood in hand—yet the heart stays uneasy, knowing this is a perch and not a home.
- Line 5One arrow spent to bring down the pheasant: a small price that wins reputation and a position.
- Line 6The bird's own nest burns—laughter first, wailing after—and the ox is lost through sheer carelessness: abroad, heedlessness is ruin.
All the doors
Every single-step transition available from where you stand.
- Line 130 离 · The Clinging
Fire lives by what it clings to; choose your fuel.
- Line 250 鼎 · The Cauldron
Cook the new order; nourish those who will carry it.
- Line 335 晋 · Progress
Rise into full view by warmth and merit, not by force.
- Line 452 艮 · Keeping Still
Stillness in the right place, at the right time.
- Line 533 遁 · Retreat
Withdraw in good order while leaving is still your choice.
- Line 662 小过 · Small Exceeding
Exceed only in small things; stay low and land soon.